Memoir Essay -2011
Language Arts – Mrs. Barone
Write a brief memoir (5 paragraphs) about a life-altering event. This event should be
something that remains vivid in your mind even many years after it has occurred. A
memoir should contain narrative elements, i.e. plot development and setting.
Additionally, characters and actions that were attached to the event should be described
in detail, along with what you remember thinking and feeling (sensory details) at that
time.
The feasible topics for this essay are limited only by the extent of your life experiences,
but here are a few suggestions:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Experiences/difficulties in school
When you made a new friend or lost a best friend
An attempt at welcoming/helping a new person who felt intimidated/frightened
Starting in a new school / a new town/ a new state/ a new country
Memorable sports moment/something you did to win/lose the game
Important event in your family which directly affected you
An injury or medical experience that you experienced
Any other topic that was explored via your “Timeline of My Life” project
Your topic will be approved on Wednesday, October 19th, when the topic sheet /
sensory matrix is due.
DUE DATES
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
“Timeline of My Life” project ………….……………..…Monday, October 17th
Topic and sensory brainstorm sheet………………..Wednesday, October 19th
Complete outline (story map)……………………….….Thursday, October 20th
Paragraphs 1, 2, & 3 (first draft)…………………….…Friday, October 21st
Paragraphs 4, 5 (first typed draft)………………….…Monday, October 24th
Complete Final draft**……………………………….……Wednesday, October 26th
COMPLETED ASSIGNMENT:
Your essay must be typed (Times New Roman), double-spaced, and in a size 12 font.
**You will turn in topic and sensory sheet, story map, all rough drafts, peer editing,
rubric and final draft on Wednesday, October 26th for full credit (TEST GRADE).
No essays will be accepted after 10/26, and you will receive a zero for the entire
assignment. (TEST GRADE)